George Boyle
There are many ways to dress your bridal party, and it is becoming more common for the maid of honour to wear a different dress from the rest of the bridesmaids. Traditionally, all the bridesmaids wore the same dress, but nowadays, the maid of honour's dress can be a slightly different style, a different shade of the same colour, or completely different. The bride can choose whether the maid of honour's dress is different and how different it should be.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Same dress | It is traditional for all bridesmaids, including the maid of honor, to wear the same dress. However, it has become more common for the maid of honor to wear a different dress. |
| Same color | The maid of honor can wear the same color as the bridesmaids in a different style, or the same style in a different, but complementary, color. |
| Same style | The maid of honor can wear the same style of dress as the bridesmaids in a different color. |
| Same fabric | The maid of honor can wear a different fabric to the bridesmaids, e.g. chiffon vs. sequins. |
| Same accessories | The maid of honor can be distinguished by wearing different accessories, e.g. a hair accessory or jewelry. |
| Bouquet | The maid of honor's bouquet can be slightly different, e.g. bigger or with an extra flower. |
What You'll Learn
Same colour, different style
There are many ways to make the maid of honour stand out from the bridesmaids while still keeping the same colour scheme. One way to do this is to have the maid of honour wear a different neckline or sleeve style. For example, the maid of honour could wear a strapless neckline while the bridesmaids wear cap sleeves, or she could go for a one-shoulder design while the bridesmaids wear a sweetheart neckline. Similarly, the maid of honour could wear sleeves while the bridesmaids wear sleeveless dresses, or vice versa.
Another option is to have the maid of honour wear a different silhouette or style of dress. This could be a more subtle difference, such as a slight variation on the same style, or something more noticeable, like a floral print dress while the bridesmaids wear solid colours.
You could also consider different fabrics for the maid of honour. For example, if the bridesmaids are wearing chiffon, the maid of honour could wear sequins, lace, or satin.
If you want to keep the dresses themselves the same, you can make the maid of honour stand out with accessories. A bejewelled belt or hair accessory can help to set her apart, or you could give her a unique piece of jewellery.
A unique bouquet is another way to distinguish the maid of honour. This could be slightly bigger than the bridesmaids' bouquets, include an extra flower, or feature an additional colour.
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Different colour, same style
There are many ways to make the maid of honour stand out from the bridesmaids, and one of the most popular ways is to have different styles of dresses in the same colour or different shades of the same colour. This is a great option for accommodating different body types and ensuring everyone feels comfortable.
If you want to keep the colour of the dresses the same, you can make the maid of honour's dress stand out by choosing a unique fabric. For example, if the bridesmaids are wearing chiffon, the maid of honour could wear sequins, lace, or satin.
You can also let the maid of honour wear a pattern while the bridesmaids wear solid colours. A floral print dress with a pattern featuring all the solid colours the bridesmaids are wearing will look stunning. There are also more subtle options, such as a velvet dress with a floral pattern.
Another option is to have the maid of honour wear a different neckline or sleeve style. For example, she can wear a strapless neckline while the bridesmaids have cap sleeves, or she can go for a one-shoulder design while the bridesmaids have two-shouldered dresses.
If you want to keep the style of the dresses the same, you can still make the maid of honour stand out by giving her a unique accessory, such as a bejewelled belt or a gorgeous hair accessory.
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Unique accessories
Accessories are a great way to make your maid of honor stand out from the rest of the bridal party. Here are some unique accessory ideas to achieve this:
Belts
A bejewelled belt is a great way to add some sparkle to your maid of honor's outfit. It can be paired with a simple gown to create an elegant and sophisticated look.
Hair Accessories
A hair accessory, such as a pearl-encrusted clip or headband, can be a subtle yet effective way to distinguish your maid of honor. It will catch the light and set them apart, especially if they have an updo or a hairstyle that showcases the accessory.
Necklaces
A delicate necklace with the maid of honor's initials or a heartfelt message of gratitude can be a special and unique accessory. It can be worn on the wedding day and for many years to come, serving as a memento of the occasion.
Earrings
Earrings are another option for unique accessories. Diamond studs or vintage crystal leaf hair pins can add a touch of elegance and sparkle to your maid of honor's look.
Bracelets
A bracelet with a heartfelt message or the maid of honor's initials can be a subtle yet meaningful accessory. It can be layered with other bracelets or worn on its own for a delicate touch.
Compact Mirrors
A personalized compact mirror can be a practical and unique accessory. It can be engraved with the maid of honor's initials or a special message and is something they can use long after the wedding.
Tote Bags
A customized tote bag can be a functional and stylish accessory for your maid of honor. It can be filled with goodies and essentials for the wedding day, such as a makeup bag, a shawl, or even a pair of comfortable shoes.
These unique accessory options will not only make your maid of honor stand out but also show your appreciation for their support and presence on your special day.
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Different fabric
There are many ways to make the maid of honour stand out from the bridesmaids, and one of the most effective ways is to use different fabrics. If the bridesmaids are wearing chiffon, the maid of honour can shine—quite literally—in sequins. Or, if the bridesmaids are in chiffon, the maid of honour could wear velvet. Mixed-fabric gowns are on-trend, so this is a great way to make the maid of honour's outfit stand out.
Another option is to have the bridesmaids in matte "crepe" fabric and the maid of honour in a different fabric, such as satin or lace. Taffeta is also an option, but be aware that this fabric has a shiny finish, so it would create a very different look to matte crepe.
If you want to keep the fabric the same but still distinguish the maid of honour, you could opt for a gown with multiple strap options or necklines. This way, the maid of honour can wear a strapless neckline while the bridesmaids have cap sleeves, or she could go for a one-shoulder design instead of a sweetheart neckline. These adjustments can be made when the maid of honour's dress is tailored—just be sure to order some extra fabric if you plan to add to the existing design.
It's also possible to mix and match fabrics and colours. For example, the bridesmaids could wear chiffon and the maid of honour could wear a velvet dress with a floral pattern.
Ultimately, the decision is up to the bride, but these are some fun ways to make the maid of honour stand out using different fabrics.
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Unique bouquet
There are many ways to make your maid of honour stand out from the rest of the bridal party, from their outfit to their accessories. But one surefire way to make them unique is through their bouquet. Here are some ideas for a unique bouquet for your maid of honour:
Different Flowers
A different cluster of blooms will easily set the maid of honour apart from the rest of the bridal party. For instance, you can include an extra flower from your bouquet or add an additional colour to the mix.
Size
You can also make the bouquet slightly larger or smaller than the rest of the bridal party's bouquets.
Monochrome
For a modern and unique look, the maid of honour can carry a monochrome bouquet, where both the petals and stem are of the same colour.
Single Stem
For a truly unique look, the maid of honour can carry a single stem, such as an allium with a black ribbon, instead of a full bouquet.
Symbolic Flowers
You can also choose flowers that hold symbolic meaning. For instance, Queen Victoria carried snowdrops, which were her husband's favourite flower. Similarly, Kate Middleton chose lilies to represent happiness, hyacinths for love, and ivy for friendship when she married Prince William.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it has become common for the maid of honor to wear a different dress from the rest of the bridesmaids. The maid of honor's dress can be a slightly different style, a different shade of the same color, or completely different.
The maid of honor can wear a different color, style, or fabric from the bridesmaids. You can also distinguish the maid of honor with accessories, a unique hairstyle, or a unique bouquet.
One advantage is that it allows you to choose a completely different dress that may be more readily available. However, a potential downside is that it can be difficult to match the color exactly.
One advantage is that it is a simple way to coordinate the bridal party. However, a potential downside is that your bridal shop may not be able to order the desired style in time.
You can opt for a dress that offers multiple strap options or necklines in the same colors and fabrics. This allows the maid of honor to wear a different neckline or sleeve style from the bridesmaids.
